- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
Unity
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3
It is probably the number 1 problem for the Christian church around the world! What should the Anglican church do about bishops and same-sex relationships! What about the unity between different branches of the church, and what about our local church?
Consider for a moment the picture of unity that the New Testament provides. Unity is based upon the essentials of One Faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (v4-6). It is a unity that submits to the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a unity that the Holy Spirit makes real and genuine. It is a great privilege to experience such unity with brothers and sisters from different backgrounds around the world and know that we are 'One in Christ'. Our unity exists. So we are called upon to keep the unity of the Spirit and to work towards the unity of the faith that Paul mentions (v 13).
Our unity is based upon the Word of God-One Faith, but often we divide on personal and secondary matters. Peace-makers are needed. We are called to forgive, be reconciled and where necessary to repent of the divisions and hurts we may have caused within the body of Christ. Just as a family needs to hold together with every member making this possible, so we are called to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit that God has established.
A prayer for today
Lord I pray that You will help your church around the world and locally to keep and strengthen the unity You have created through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3
It is probably the number 1 problem for the Christian church around the world! What should the Anglican church do about bishops and same-sex relationships! What about the unity between different branches of the church, and what about our local church?
Consider for a moment the picture of unity that the New Testament provides. Unity is based upon the essentials of One Faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (v4-6). It is a unity that submits to the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a unity that the Holy Spirit makes real and genuine. It is a great privilege to experience such unity with brothers and sisters from different backgrounds around the world and know that we are 'One in Christ'. Our unity exists. So we are called upon to keep the unity of the Spirit and to work towards the unity of the faith that Paul mentions (v 13).
Our unity is based upon the Word of God-One Faith, but often we divide on personal and secondary matters. Peace-makers are needed. We are called to forgive, be reconciled and where necessary to repent of the divisions and hurts we may have caused within the body of Christ. Just as a family needs to hold together with every member making this possible, so we are called to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit that God has established.
A prayer for today
Lord I pray that You will help your church around the world and locally to keep and strengthen the unity You have created through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
